Leighton Baines has claimed that Kevin Mirallas will be crucial if Everton are going to hit their targets this season.

Mirallas recently returned to the side following a two-month absence due to a hamstring injury, and Baines is hopeful that the Belgian can stay fit for as long as possible ahead of a hectic winter schedule.

"He has done really well," the England defender told reporters. "The injury he had was a severe muscle injury, so to come back and play 70/80 minutes in the three games was a real boost for us. He's always capable of popping up with goals and he scored a great one at the weekend.

"He's one of the best finishers at the club. If you are going to put someone in on goal in an important moment, Kevin would probably be at the top of the list because he's composed.

"He's always a player that we want to try to keep fit and I'm sure we won't take any huge risks with him for the sake of it. We need him fit for this period, as we do for the rest of the players."

Mirallas and Baines are both expected to start when Everton host Hull City on Wednesday evening.